Chapter 27: Start of a New Era

Winterfell.

As I took my seat in my father's solar, alongside Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik, I prepared my notes on what I had discovered about the delegation during their stay in the North. With my insects, I spied on every moment of the crown's representatives, gathering a wealth of information about them and even learning what they had "discovered" about us.

The most significant points about the delegation were that the Northern economy had grown fivefold over two years, in addition to the increase in available military power, and that we were still focused on expanding that number with no intention of stopping. Lastly, there were over three scrolls filled with hypotheses and theories on how our new products would impact the other kingdoms, including Braavos.

"Tyrion is truly very intelligent," said the maester, his eyes shining with admiration.

"We can't deny that, Luwin. How do you think this report will affect our relationship with the crown?" asked my father, frowning.

"I don't know, Lord Stark. I can't be certain, but I hypothesize that it won't have much impact in the short term. Our new goods will take a significant amount of time before we see the profits we know they'll bring," said the maester, stroking his chin.

"We need to secure a good stock of goods to start selling them in the different kingdoms, Father," I said seriously. "I am completely sure that silk and honey will be a success with the other kingdoms. The clothing produced from this silk will become the new desire of all the highborns in the Seven Kingdoms and even beyond."

"As for the other two products, in my opinion, we should reserve the fertilizer for exclusive use by Northerners for the next two years. After two years, we can start selling it to the rest of the kingdoms, but I want the North to be self-sufficient before we distribute it," I said with determination.

"Why not share the fertilizer with others, Robb? It would be the honorable thing to do," said my father with a furrowed brow.

I had to struggle not to roll my eyes. I replied with the most deadpan voice, "What is our family's responsibility, Father?" Without waiting for a response, I continued, "Our people should be the first to benefit from our gains, not the rest of the kingdoms. We are Starks. We were the kings of the North, not the dogs of the South." I finished with a raised voice.

The silence in the solar was striking, and it made me realize the mistake I had made.

Before anyone could continue, I stood up and turned to the others.

"Forgive me for raising my voice. I shouldn't have lost my composure and allowed my feelings to enter the discussion," I said, a hint of shame in my voice.

My father looked intently into my eyes, which were expected to reveal my feelings about the situation. I was embarrassed for losing control, but that didn't mean I regretted saying it. It was high time my father stopped thinking and acting like anything other than a Stark.

Slowly, my father nodded his head, making me exhale with relief as I took my seat again.

"What do you think, Rodrik? Do you agree with Robb?" he asked, looking at the knight squarely in the eyes.

Ser Rodrik shifted uneasily for a moment under my father's gaze before becoming serious and making his decision. "Yes, Lord Stark. Ned... I've served this house since your father gave me the chance to be a guard here. I started from the bottom, and thanks to your father and then to you, I am who I am today. I understand your point of view, but Lord Robb is right. The North bled for Robert Baratheon, and we were left in this situation. The North deserves what the North sows."

My father said nothing, his face as hard as stone as he closed his eyes for a moment before turning to the maester. "And you, Luwin? What do you think about this?"

The maester sighed before rising and walking to the window. "I grew up in the North, Lord Stark. I've endured both wars, and I know that when a Northerner goes to help the South, it doesn't end well. I also agree with Robb on this. Moreover, the fact that we use it first for a while doesn't mean the South will never get this advantage; we're just waiting for a time."

My father stood up and began to walk around the solar. After a minute, his shoulders relaxed. "As I said yesterday, Robb, the North will be in good hands with the next generation." With a small smile, he continued, "We will do as you say, Robb. The fertilizer will be used by our people first. In the future, we will start selling it to the rest of the kingdoms."

"Thank you, Father. Your confidence in my plans means a lot to me," I said as I stood up and embraced him.

"Tyrion took samples of our new products to the capital. I hope it will bring us more clients by giving them an idea of what we offer. But I also hope the new taxes aren't intended to drain the North," I said with a smile that turned into a grimace at the end.

"According to these notes you provided, young Robb, Lord Tyrion was impressed with our new products," said the maester as he read the copies of the scrolls Tyrion had used while in Winterfell.

"He had nothing negative to say. The only point he mentioned frequently was how our exports might affect the other kingdoms when we start," I said with a furrowed brow.

"Do you think we'll have to watch out for assassins sent from Braavos or Qarth?" asked Ser Rodrik.

"We'll increase security. But at least for now, there isn't much risk. When we start exporting, that's when other countries will focus on us," said my father seriously.

"Let's keep a low profile for now. The delegation will return to the capital in a month. For the moment, we need to increase the training for recruits and start offering more incentives to encourage others to join our forces," said the maester.

"Many peasants have children who could start training to be guards in the future. If we offer food and pay, most families would choose to send their young ones. We can train them in their strengths, forming battalions of only squires, only archers, and so on," I said thoughtfully.

"That's a good idea, Lord Robb. I'll tell Vayon Poole to start drafting messages to post in the town centers," said Ser Rodrik, scratching his beard.

"Also, instruct him to ensure that each messenger carries extra coins to give to the merchants so they can spread the word about the opportunity as they travel. The more people hear about it, the better," I replied.

"Anything else we should know, Robb?" asked my father.

"Yes, Father. Tyrion tried to snoop where he shouldn't have," I said with a grimace. "He was investigating the formula for making vodka."

"He dares?!" exclaimed Ser Rodrik with a shout.

"I don't think it was because he wanted to do it," I said after he calmed down.

"What do you mean, young Robb?" asked the maester, raising an eyebrow.

"It seemed like he was doing it out of obligation, not because he wanted to. When I appeared in front of him, he stopped and didn't attempt it again during his stay," I responded mildly.

"Tywin," said my father and Ser Rodrik simultaneously.

"This is getting more complicated by the minute... If Tywin is interested in the North, he could do things to make our lives difficult," said my father after releasing a sigh.

"We will face it together, Father. The North remembers," I said calmly.

"The North remembers," the others said firmly.

"Another issue was one of the servants who came with the delegation. He had orders to interfere with the investigation and spy on our family," I said with a frown.

"Damn it, if it's not one thing, it's another," exclaimed Ser Rodrik.

"Do you know who he worked for, Robb?" asked my father seriously.

I nodded slightly. "A certain Peter Baelish. The Master of Coin of King's Landing."

The rest sighed with frustration. "What will we do about it?" asked the maester.

"Nothing for you. I've taken care of it, so there's no need to worry," I said mysteriously.

"What did you do, Robb?" asked my father seriously.

"Nothing that affects the North, trust me, Father. I would never break the rules of hospitality. The reason I'm not telling you is to avoid the risk of more people finding out," I said calmly.

My father exhaled slowly. "I'll have white hair before forty thanks to you, son," he said, shaking his head.

"Each one a new experience, right?" I laughed as I stood up.

"Before I leave, I'd like to hear your opinions on an idea I have," I said as I turned to the rest.

"I want my group and me to stay near the coast for a few months until we see the crown's sincerity and they deal with the Ironborn," I said seriously.

"We could start by going to Bear Island, then stay a few months in White Harbor to help protect the town from those damned pirates," I continued in a calm voice.

"Why should you go, Lord Robb?" exclaimed Ser Rodrik. "A messenger and a group of guards would be more than sufficient."

"Because the North will need to be united for what's coming. I want the other houses to know that the Starks of Winterfell have their backs and support them. Besides, the crown's decision will anger many of the lords, and if a Stark is explaining the situation, we might prevent many problems."

"It's a good idea, my lord," intervened the maester.

"I hate that you're right... our relationship with some houses isn't that close, and that could influence their attitude. Very well, Robb, head out at dawn with your group to Bear Island. Tomorrow I'll give you a letter to deliver to Maege Mormont. I don't know if the letter will help or make things worse, but I trust you can handle it," he said with a hearty laugh.

"If you encounter any pirates or bandits, you have my permission as Warden of the North to administer whatever justice you see fit. You've earned my trust, and I know you can do it. Be just, son, and remember… whoever dispenses justice must wield the sword," said my father, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"I won't let you down, Father," I said solemnly.

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